About this role
<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color:#333333">The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.</span></span></p><div> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><strong>Why this role matters: </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">The AI Research Lead drives applied AI research and rapid experimentation to help AP discover, validate and pilot new opportunities to bring AI capabilities to our journalism and business operations. This role bridges applied research, rapid experimentation, and early-stage product development to keep AP at the forefront of AI in news. </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">This is an individual contributor position and will have no direct reports. </span></p> <div> <div> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><strong>What you will do: </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Stay abreast of artificial intelligence research and product development and help to translate these developments into opportunities for AP. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Evaluate potential technology, startup and academic partners; conduct lightweight technical due diligence on capability, cost, IP and risk. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Scout and prioritize AI use cases across newsroom and business workflows in collaboration with editorial, product and technology stakeholders. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Rapidly design and build proofs of concept using Python and modern ML/LLM tooling; run experiments and evaluations to prove value and ensure quality and operational fit. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Coordinate with contract developers and external partners to build pilots and MVPs: define requirements, review deliverables and manage timelines. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Plan and execute internal and external pilots; collect user feedback, measure impact and iterate based on results. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Apply responsible AI practices throughout experimentation and pilots, including data privacy, copyright/IP protection, maintaining system guardrails and safety/quality evaluation. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Create clear handoff documentation and partner with Product and Engineering to assist the transition from pilot to production application. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Define and track project success metrics; document and communicate lessons learned with internal and external audiences. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><strong>Who you are:</strong><strong> </strong> </span></p> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Minimum 2 years’ experience in data science, machine learning or a related technical innovation role or advanced degree in a related field. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Hands-on experience translating emerging AI technologies into applied prototypes and pilot projects. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Demonstrated understanding of large language models, generative AI, and related tools and frameworks. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Strong technical proficiency in Python or similar programming languages, and experience using AI-assisted coding tools. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Experience deploying prototypes on cloud infrastructure (AWS preferred). </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Working knowledge of software engineering fundamentals (APIs, version control, code review) and experience collaborating with engineers and contractors. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with experience working across technical and non-technical teams. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Ability to apply (or quickly learn and apply) responsible AI and data governance considerations in real-world products. </span></p> </li> </ul> <div> <div> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><strong>What will set you apart </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Commitment to continuous learning, a hands-on approach to exploring new technologies and enthusiasm for sharing what you have learned with others. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Experience executing user-facing pilots and translating prototype learnings into clear requirements, documentation and handoff materials. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Familiarity with newsroom, content or publishing workflows, or experience building tools for media and information products. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><strong>Why join us: </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">A mission-driven, inclusive environment focused on both individual and collective success. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Opportunities for professional development to help you reach your career goals. </span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Access to tools, mentorship, and resources tailored to elevate your proficiency and contributions. </span></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div> <div> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><strong>Salary & Benefits: </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">The anticipated salary range for this position is $96,000–$104,000, based on a candidate’s skills, qualifications, and location. This hybrid role may be performed from any Associated Press office location, including New York, NY; Washington, D.C.; Chicago, IL; or Los Angeles, CA.</span></p> </div> <div> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">The Associated Press offers comprehensive benefits, which include: </span></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Retirement benefits </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Company paid life insurance </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Paid vacation and sick days </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Paid parental leave for any new parent </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Mental well-being resources </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Application deadline is July 10, 2026, at 11:59p.m. ET. </span></strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p style="margin-bottom:11.0px"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.</span></p> <p> </p>